“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Going through life, everyone has many challenges and problems. It is often very difficult. In this verse Paul gives a few little simple things to do in order to get a person through the challenges of life.
“Be joyful in hope.” As a believer you know that someday Jesus will return to take you to heaven with Him. At that time you will be made perfect and that there will be no more pain or suffering.
What this means for today is that the challenge you are going through is only temporary. God has stated that He will meet all of your needs. With this in mind you can be joyful that there will be an end and someday you will be in heaven with God. Have the inner excitement that God is in control and will help you.
“Patient in affliction.” When you are going through a difficult time, it can be difficult to wait for the answer to come. It is hard to wait for the situation to end.
Again you know that the situation is only temporary. You also know that God will meet your needs. Now you must wait for the answer. The answer may come today, tomorrow, in ten years, or when you step into heaven. You must wait for the answer. You must be patient.
“Faithful in prayer.” Finally, you must be faithfully praying. You are to pray without ceasing. In everything you are to pray. You are to be loyal to God to communicate with Him.
You must take your needs before God. Let Him know how you feel and how you are doing and what you desire. Spend time worshipping Him for what He is doing and will do in your life in both the good and bad times.
If you are not going through a difficult time right now in life, wait, it will come. Jesus promised difficult times. When those difficult times do come remember to be joyful, patient, and faithful in prayer. God will bring you through it. You will be amazed at how God works all things out for your good. Are you trusting Him today?
I pray today that you will know the joy of the salvation Jesus provides; that you will have God’s hope; that God will help you to be patient for His answer; that you will be faithful in prayer to God; and that God will do great and wonderful things in and through you.